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Australian Nationals - Report

Written by Editor on 03 March 2010. Posted in News

Here is a short report from the 2010 Australian National Freestyle Championships.

The full results can be found soon in the results section.

We have just seen the completion of the AKSA Australian Kiteboarding Championships. We are proud of the spirit all competitors have shown in this contest as a result we expect a surge in opportunities for kiteboarding and interest in our sport.

This event would not have got off the ground without the unwavering support of the Australian Kiteboarding Association.I would especially like to thank Chris Wardel and Phil Morrow for their endless hours of work they have put into make this event a reality.Secondly I would like to thank our major sponsor Red Bull and I hope the success of this event forges a closer bond with the brand.Our presenting sponsor Cabrinha kites have backed us 100 per cent. Thank you Hudson for sharing in our vision and seeing the potential this event can bring to our sport.

Chris Sal from Kite Republic, thank you for your friendship, teaching me to kite and supporting not only this event but my magazine from day 1. None of this would have happened without the faith you showed in me so thank you.I am lucky enough to have five right hand men: they are Hooky (Tim Nanninga), Andrew Jaspan, Paul Felsovary, Ryan Fehily and Nick from Kite Republic. These guys have worked their guts out to make this happen and have been with me all the way.

This event has attracted some of the best kiters in the world. They are Jesse Richman, Andy Yates, Kristen Boese, Jules Hosp, Sam Light, Tom Court and Susi Mai. You have all made sacrifices to be here and it is rare to receive such brilliant support. You are welcome to Melbourne anytime.Anton Richardson, on behalf of the riders we are honoured with the opportunity you have given our best competitors to compete in the PKRA. We will do everything we can to ensure your event on the Gold Coast is as well supported by local kiters as this event is.The judging at this event has been world class under the direction of our head judge Toby Bromwitch.Toby you have lifted the standard for Australian Nationals. Thank you. Alexander James Lewis-Hughes, Tom Court and Sam Light thanks for being our judges.Our media sponsors have generated huge interest in our event. They are Extreme Kites, Seabreeze.com.au, Kite Life and Foxtel.Special thanks to Paul Cousins and Susi Mai from Kite Life for their commentary.

As you all know events like this are expensive to put on. We would not have got here without the support from these brands.XLR8ED DJ hire, Sure Tech Security, Fakie, Smoothstar skateboards, Fluid Kiteboarding, Gale Force Kites, Find boardsports, SHQ, Paqua, Blue Eye, Graffi-t, Australian Kite Surfari, Derevko wetsuits, Nobile, Kite Power, Barz sunglasses, JN kites and Slingshot.Please support these fantastic brands that have shown so much faith in me.

Last but not least I would like to thank our volunteers who have also been here since day 1. They are Ivan Salmon, James McCann, Scott Fleming, Simon Blake, Karen Grant and Rosie Espanio.George Ierodiaconou, Kite Mag, publisher

Results of the 2010 AKSA Australian National Kiteboarding Championships held at St Kilda beach, Melbourne, Feb 11 to 13, 2010.

Men1. Andy Yates (Caloundra)2. Keahi De Aboitz (Noosa)3. Ewan Jaspan (St Kilda)(Note: Keahi and Ewan get a "wild card" into the PKRA World Tour comp to be held in Gold Coast in December as Andy is already competing as the world's No 5)

The Andy Yates Talent Award, best up and comer; Lindsay Hobbs,15 (Gold Coast)

AKSA appointed judging panel: Toby Bromwich, head judge at St Kilda comp and one of six full-time PKRA World Tour judges Sam Light, from Hayling Island, UK, and 2009 British Kite Surfing Association Men's Open winner, ranked 5th in PKRA World Tour circuit.

Tom Court from Isle of Wight, UK, ranked 11th and on the PKRA World Tour circuit and until recently UK No 1 for under=18 Alexander "Sir Rowdy" James Lewis-Hughes, experienced kiter and judge from Elliot Heads, NSW. Jesse Richman, Maui, Hawaii, 2009 and 2008 KPWT World Champion.